Manager Gary Bowyer expressed his emotions after respects were paid towards the tragic events of the Bradford City Fire Disaster, as his side’s season concluded with a goalless draw at home to Wimbledon.
Wreaths were laid on the Valley Parade Memorial before the match, in addition to the customary minute’s silence just prior to kick-off to remember the 56 supporters who died almost 34 years ago.
Bowyer spoke of his pride in how tributes were conducted by everyone involved with the club, yesterday.
He said: “It was my first experience of the occasion and I thought the supporters and everybody connected to the club handled things very well.
“I spent the morning with my wife and we watched the ‘One Day in May’ documentary. It was an incredible tragedy.
“I am glad we were able to pay our respects to the heroes on that day and, sadly, the ones who are no longer with us.
“Once you are touched by it, it stays with you forever. How it was for me yesterday will stay with me forever.”
In addition to thanking the supporters for their role in the remembrance of the disaster, the Bantams boss discussed his anticipation ahead of next season, insisting he is looking forward to preparing for the future.
He added: “I cannot wait for next season - and beyond.
“I would not say I am happy to put this season to bed but now it is a case of stamping what I am about, and what my team is about, and recruiting players to prepare for next season.
“I do not like what has happened, I do not like the feeling I have, and it will carry on throughout the summer - like it will for the supporters. I will be doing my best to change that.
“Relegation and what comes with it stays with you for a long time. It doesn’t sit right with me and I am not having it ever again.
“It is something which will be eating away at me. But it will make me more determined and it will be my motivation to get the right people in.
“Hopefully, next season, we can get players signed who understand what the supporters want.”